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Thread: Tires

  1. #1
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    Tires

    I know I will get some crap for this idea but here it goes, my wagon has the factory low suspension, the ride on the freeway is crap if the freeway is smooth then the ride is good. My tires are 235/45r17, I was at work looking at tire catalogs, because I work in the automotive industry and found that I can get a 235/50r17 tire the over all diameter difference is .95 inches. I don't care about the effect on the speedometer accuracy. Accelleration from a stop would be effected a little. A taller side wall will soften the ride a bit. It looks like i would have clearance and I don't really care about how the car would look when parked. I can think of any other effects it would have, it's a 525it and I just really cruise in it. Thoughts.

  2. #2
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    I'd make sure that it is in fact the tires you have that are contributing to a harsh ride and not something else. e39 sport package is a very balanced ride if everything else is proper. We had a wagon for a short time that had bad subframe bushings and it felt terrible on potholes because of that.

    You don't have run flat tires installed, don't you?

  3. #3
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    No runflats but my rear subframe bushings have leaked you can feel the subframe jiggles a little.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    I know I will get some crap for this idea but here it goes, my wagon has the factory low suspension, the ride on the freeway is crap if the freeway is smooth then the ride is good. My tires are 235/45r17, I was at work looking at tire catalogs, because I work in the automotive industry and found that I can get a 235/50r17 tire the over all diameter difference is .95 inches. I don't care about the effect on the speedometer accuracy. Accelleration from a stop would be effected a little. A taller side wall will soften the ride a bit. It looks like i would have clearance and I don't really care about how the car would look when parked. I can think of any other effects it would have, it's a 525it and I just really cruise in it. Thoughts.
    Not a lot of difference in sidewall dimensions but I think you'll fine more comfort oriented choices in 50 series. You'll be raising your final drive ~4% which will probably drop highway cruise revs 100 rpm or so.
    Want a comfy ride? Get some 16" rolling stock.

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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mless5 View Post
    I'd make sure that it is in fact the tires you have that are contributing to a harsh ride and not something else. e39 sport package is a very balanced ride if everything else is proper. We had a wagon for a short time that had bad subframe bushings and it felt terrible on potholes because of that.

    You don't have run flat tires installed, don't you?
    I second that. Bad bushings and dampers made my car drive like crap. Replaced them and the ride became much smoother with the same (225/45/17) tires...
    Last edited by Breeze1; 02-11-2019 at 04:55 AM.
    "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." Alan K. Simpson.
    5spd E46 "3XX": 328i engine, 330i Intake and exhaust, CAI, 323i diff.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by ross1 View Post
    Not a lot of difference in sidewall dimensions but I think you'll fine more comfort oriented choices in 50 series. You'll be raising your final drive ~4% which will probably drop highway cruise revs 100 rpm or so.
    Want a comfy ride? Get some 16" rolling stock.
    +1 ... 235/50 16s would keep roughly the same rolling diameter, AND cush up the ride.
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  7. #7
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    +2

    Go with the 16" and you will feel the difference, as it has more sidewall to absorb the rough road. IIRC the stock on that car is a 225/55 R-16 for the summer and 205/60 R-16 for winter.
    Darin
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  8. #8
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  9. #9
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    Truth is that crap 50 series tires could actually feel worse. It depends entirely on the tire. I suggest you sort out your suspension first, repair/replace what needs repaired/replaced, then consider tires.

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